Medication: Pregabalin

Your cat has been prescribed pregabalin for the management of seizures or for chronic neuropathic pain. Pregabalin may also be prescribed for the management of acute anxiety, eg associated with transport for veterinary consultation.

Key points:
• Anticonvulsant.
• Additional therapy for cats not responding to conventional anticonvulsant drugs.
• Treatment for chronic neuropathic pain.
• Commonly causes mild sedation in cats.
• In cats with kidney failure, drug may eliminate more slowly and reduced dose needed.
• Use with caution in pregnant animals.
• Use with caution in lactating queens.
• Dosage: usually two times daily.
• Avoid stopping medication suddenly.
• In some competitions the use of pregabalin is banned.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name

• Pregabalin (Pre-GABA-lin).

Class of medication

• Anticonvulsant.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F).
• Liquid forms should be stored in refrigerator.
• Store away from heat and sunlight.

Your veterinarian has prescribed pregabalin for the treatment of epileptic seizures where conventional anticonvulsant therapy has not provided adequate control. It is often given alongside another anticonvulsant but in some circumstances can be used as a sole agent. Pregabalin is also used to help control chronic pain or nerve origin (neuropathic) pain. Cats may also be prescribed pregabalin for the management of acute anxiety, eg associated with transport for veterinary consultation.

The product is available as tablets or solution which can be given by mouth. The drug does not last very long in the body and so tablets usually have to be given two or three times daily. The tablets can either be administered directly into your cat’s mouth or along with some food. If your cat vomits after receiving tablets it may be helpful to give them with some food. There is a longer acting formulation but the tablets cannot be divided so these may not be useful in smaller animals depending on the dose required; this version may only be required on a once a day basis. Over time cats may become tolerant of the drug and higher doses may be needed.

There is also an injectable form which your veterinarian can give or may be used per-rectum in an emergency.

The following side-effects have been reported:

• Mild sedation is common and can be reduced by gradually increasing the dose over weeks.
• Lethargy and weakness or stumbling.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rarely reddening of skin or sores.

Drug interactions can occur with:

• Other anticonvulsant medications.
• ACE inhibitors.
• Antidepressants and anxiolytics.
• Narcotic pain medication.
• Sedatives and tranquilizers.
• Can interact with antihistamines.

Pregabalin should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Treatment may be started at a low dose and then may be gradually increased over time. If treatment is effective the drug may be continued lifelong. If no improvement is seen within a few months, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy. If your cat is receiving medication for seizures, then you should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian.

Dispose of any unused pregabalin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save pregabalin for future use or give to other pets.

If you miss a dose, wait until the medication is next due and give that dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Pregabalin should only be given to the animal that it has been prescribed for:

• Do not give to other pets in the household.
• Use with care in pregnant or lactating animals and only if advised by your veterinarian.
• If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

If your cat is epileptic your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on them to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary.

Further information

Only Bonqat for cats is licensed for veterinary use but veterinary surgeons can prescribe human licensed products if no suitable veterinary alternative is available. If you have any concerns, further information on pregabalin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

• Bonqat 50 mg/ml oral solution for cats: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bonqat-epar-product-information_en.pdf.
• Alzain (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Lyrica (20mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Lyrica (20mg.ml solution).
• Pregabalin (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Pregabalin Accord (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Pregabalin Amarox (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Pregabalin Aristo (20mg.ml solution).

USA

• Lyrica (20mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg tablets).
• Lyrica CR (82.5mg, 165mg, 330mg extended release tablets).
• Lyrica (20mg.ml solution).
• Bonqat® (pregabalin oral solution) Orion Pharma Animal Health.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.